Eriogonum giganteum
St. Catherine's Lace
Description
St. Catherine's Lace is a large open shrub growing 4'-5' high and 3'-4' wide. Evergreen leaves are oval shaped, silvery on top and woolly white on bottom. During spring, flat clusters of tiny, cream colored flowers appear reminding one of Granny's lace doilies. These flowers turn rust in summer and fall. It is a full-sun California native that does well in coastal areas, not needing irrigation once established. In warmer, inland areas, this plant will also thrive with minimal watering. It attracts butterflies and beneficial insects. It does best with well draining soil but tolerates clay soil. Great for hillside planting. Do not plant close to walkways as this shrub gets brittle with age. Not advisable for potting.
Plant Type
Shrub
Height Range
3-6'
Flower Color
Red, White
Flower Season
Spring, Summer
Leaf Color
Grey, Silver, White
Bark Color
n/a
Fruit Color
n/a
Fruit Season
n/a
Sun
Full
Water
Very Low, Low
Growth Rate
Fast
Soil Type
Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky
Soil Condition
Average, Well-drained, Dry
Soil pH
Neutral
Adverse Factors
n/a
Design Styles
Mediterranean, Ranch, Seascape, Spanish
Accenting Features
Showy Flowers, Unusual Foliage
Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer
Location Uses
Shrub Border, Foundation, Roadside, Walls / Fences, With Rocks
Special Uses
Cut Flowers, Erosion Control, Mass Planting
Attracts Wildlife
Birds, Butterflies
Change spray sprinklers to low-flow bubbler or drip systems. Shrubs and trees are ideal candidates for this type of irrigation because the water is applied directly to the root zones.